Editing Optometry (section)

{{Short description|Field of medicine treating eye disorders}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2017}}
{{Infobox medical specialty
| title        = Optometry
| image        = [[File:Spaltlampe-2.jpg|255px]]
| caption      = [[Eye examination]] with the aid of a [[slit lamp]]
| system       = [[Human eye|Eye]]
| diseases     = [[Blurred vision]], [[cataract]], [[macular degeneration]], [[glaucoma]], [[refractive error]], [[retina|retinal disorders]], [[diabetic retinopathy]]
| tests        = [[Visual field test]], [[ophthalmoscopy]]
| profession   = Optometrist
}}
{{Infobox Occupation
| name= Optometry
|official_names= Doctor of Optometry, Optometrist
| type= Health Profession
| activity_sector= [[Healthcare]]
| competencies= refractive error, ocular disease, medical therapeutics, binocular vision, sports vision, vision therapy, contact lenses
| formation= Doctor of Optometry / Master of Optometry / Bachelor of Optometry
| employment_field= [[Hospital]], [[clinic]], [[laboratory]]
}}

'''Optometry''' is a specialized health care profession that involves examining the eyes and related structures for defects or abnormalities. Optometrists are [[health care professionals]] who typically provide comprehensive eye care.

In the [[United States of America]] and [[Canada]], optometrists are those that hold a four-year Doctor of Optometry degree, which is earned following their undergraduate college training. They are trained and licensed to practice medicine for eye related conditions, in addition to providing refractive (optical) eye care. Within their scope of practice, optometrists are considered physicians and bill medical insurance(s) (example: Medicare) accordingly. 

In the [[United Kingdom]], optometrists may also provide medical care (e.g. prescribe medications and perform various surgeries) for eye-related conditions in addition to providing refractive care. The Doctor of Optometry degree is rarer in the UK.

Many optometrists participate in academic research for eye-related conditions and diseases. In addition to prescribing glasses and contact lenses for vision related deficiencies, optometrists are trained in monitoring and treating ocular disease-pathologies. 

The range of training for optometrists varies greatly between countries. Some countries only require certificate training while others require a doctoral degree. 

In the United States, optometrists typically hold a four-year college degree, a four-year Doctor of Optometry degree, and have the option to complete a one-year residency program.

By comparison, in the United States, [[Ophthalmology|ophthalmologists]] are medical doctors (MDs and DOs) who typically hold a four-year college degree, a four-year medical degree, and additional years of training after medical school in an ophthalmology residency (at least four years) during which they receive training in advanced medical management of eye disease and ocular surgery.